Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Revealing Anti Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome: Case Report

Anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome (APAS) is defined by the association of at least one clinical event (vascular occlusion, fetal loss) with the presence of antibodies to phospholipids, and may be isolated or associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. The vascular site of the eye has been described in the literature and may be the main manifestation. We report the case of a 21-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with a rapid unilateral decrease in visual acuity. Ophthalmological examination revealed an occlusion of the central retinal vein . The diagnosis of SAPL was made during the etiological workup with the presence of anti-cardiolipin antibodies, the patient was put on anti-platelet aggregation treatment. The evolution was marked by the occurrence of a miscarriage, after which the patient was put on anticoagulant treatment. When faced with an occlusion of the central retinal vein or artery in a young subject, in addition to the recommended cardiovascular check-up, a thrombophilia and SAPL check-up is essential in order to avoid a thrombotic recurrence which can be life-threatening if it is a cerebral location.